The Newsletter of the Camelford and Week St. Mary Circuit 12/20 Bethel, Boscastle, Bossiney, Brockhill, Camelford, Delabole, Living Water, Maxworthy, Rehoboth, St. Breward, St. Teath, St. Tudy, Tintagel, Tremail, Tresparrett, Treveighan, Week St. Mary

Happy new year everyone! I pray we are all up to the challenges that it will bring. I will face the challenge of being a supernumerary; you will have the challenge of a new minister, a new way of ‘being Circuit’ and the challenge of finding ways to be relevant in the twenty first century while standing firm on the basic tenets of the Christian faith. That, I think, is the key factor. We are not here just to serve the material needs of our communities (although we do aim to do that) but to challenge people spiritually and to be living witnesses to the power and the wonder and the love of God. The early Methodists challenged each other regularly with the question, ‘How is it with your soul?’’ I don’t think we ask that question even of ourselves anywhere near enough. How is it with your soul? Does your awareness of God’s call on your life increase with each passing day? Are you aware of what it really means to follow Jesus? Is being a Christian the most important thing in your life? Is it in mine? And if any of us answers, ‘No, not really!’ - then what are we going to do about it? This month we will hopefully all be attending Covenant Services and renewing our covenant relationships with God. I have always found the Covenant Prayer deeply challenging I am no longer my own but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you or laid aside for you, exalted for you or brought low for you. Let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God,Father, Son and Holy Spirit,you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. This year why not think about it: pray about it: embrace it: live it – and together we can change the spiritual decline of our culture and bring about renewal and revival as we rededicate ourselves to the service of God. And may He be with us all, to inspire, to strengthen and to Guide. With love in Christ, Doreen

On Sunday evening November 19th a few of us met at Camelford to learn about SWYM. This is an acronym for South West Youth Ministries which is based at Moorlands. We began the evening by watching an animated presentation of the parable of The Talents, which was part of the lectionary readings for the day then everyone spoke about what they had personally received from the morning service in their own chapels. Rev. Doreen then handed over to our speaker, Sophie Doyle who, with her daughter Lily outlined for us the work that SWYM undertakes. It began twenty years ago with the vision that every child, young person and adult should have a meaningful relationship with God. Training and support is offered to those wishing to work with young people in this endeavour and resources are provided to back up the work, including involvement from local churches. Twenty thousand children and young people had been reached by SWYM over the years by trainees who have undertaken a course named, ‘Be Transformed’ There are six national conferences a year in which thirty-two hours of youth work are embarked upon and eight hours of dedicated study. ‘Activate’ is a programme exploring faith through activity and twenty-five holiday camps are organised annually where football, baking, and beauty courses are offered to the youngsters. The workers do this work voluntarily but are supported by local churches and individuals who offer accommodation etc. Lily, Sophie’s daughter, explained a programme called ‘Rise Up’ which runs on the themes of Redeemed, Restored and Released and mentoring plays a large part in this course.

Who would have thought that a film crew sponsored by the Chinese Government Department of Culture would come across the world to Camelford to to make a film about a Christian who was born in Camelford in 1864? That man was Samuel Pollard.

Samuel Pollard and his friend Frank Dymond sailed off to southwest to start missionary work when they were only 22 years old. After many hair raising experiences Sam Pollard arrived at his mission station which was so small he had to keep his horse in the kitchen! Sam travelled around dressed in Chinese clothes and wearing a pigtail, preaching and gathering a crown by banging a drum of blowing a trumpet. His reputation reached a poor and uneducated group of oppressed people called The who live in the mountains. They wanted to know more about Jesus and eventually several hundred came and refused to return without Sam Pollard. It is Pollard’s ministry to the Miao people that has gained him an amazing reputation in China. So much so that the previous President of China Hu Jimtao when he was governor of south west China told his officials to be like Sam Pollard and look after the poor. He also had Pollard’s grave reinstated after it was destroyed in the Cultural revolution. There is a large building at Nanjing University and an Educational Institute both named after Pollard. And back here in Cornwall there is a Pollard Hall in Padstow where Sam Pollard came to give a talk and raise funds for his work in China. People still remember that he came dressed in full Chinese costume complete with pigtail.

To the Miao people Sam Pollard is a saint and anything special that happens is attributed to him even though he died in 1915 from Typhoid fever after nursing a child with Typhoid who survived. One of the reasons for Sam Pollard’s fame is that he developed a written script for the Miao people who had no written language and is still used in slightly modified form by several ethnic groups in the far east. It might seem strange that a Communist Government should want to make a film about a Cornishman born more than 150 years ago in Camelford. But he is revered by many in China and we should be proud of this brave and determined missionary from Camelford.

Living Water held a Christmas Tree Festival on December 9th and 10th on the theme of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, which was well supported by chapel members, local villagers and members from other chapels in the Circuit. Trevor Shute and Mervyn Colwill had erected long benches which held ten of the trees and the other two were in the porch, transforming the interior of the building into an exciting grotto with twinkling lights and the most imaginative of decorations on each tree to illustrate the twelve gifts brought by the young man to his true love.

Partridge in a Two turtle doves Eleven lords pear tree a- leaping

The spiritual meanings of each gift were shown beside every tree with for example the partridge in the pear tree standing for Jesus, the only Son of God and the four calling birds representing the four gospels. Dorothy Bearns had lent us the beautiful wall hanging that she had made showing all of the twelve days of Christmas and this was hung in the porch to welcome our visitors. The full list was exhibitors was :- 1. Living Water Chapel Dorothy’s wall hanging 2. Rehoboth Chapel 3. Bethel Chapel ●●● 4. Canworthy Water Brownies 5.2nd Bude Scouts - Jacobstow 6. Mums and Tots 7. Friends of Warbstow School 8. Tresparrett Methodist Church 9. The Near Escapers 10. The Manic Mansers 11. Warbstow Parish Church 12. Young at Heart

●●● Thr oughout the two days refreshments were served in the Schoolroom by members of Living Water and £270 was raised for Chapel Funds from donations placed in the collecting boxes. Thank you to those who dressed the trees, to all who supported the effort and to those who worked hard to organise the event.

Two Methodist Women in Britain events took place at the end of November and the beginning of December. The first was at Tintagel on November 29th when we were treated to a most interesting Power Point presentation by Sue Ede at the Advent Service. Various ladies from several chapels took parts pointing out the parts played by prophets in the foretelling of the coming of Jesus into the world at Christmas and we were urged to prepare ourselves for that amazing event. We were also told the significance of the Christingle Service and a group of ladies demonstrated how Christingles were made and used in worship.

Perhaps the most moving part of the service came towards the end when Jill Smeeth from Camelford brought her beautiful baby grand-daughter Chloe, to represent the infant Jesus while she herself told the story of the part that Mary played in God’s plan to send His Son into the world. We sang familiar and much-loved carols and the morning concluded with tea or coffee and mince-pies topped with clotted cream that were served by the ladies of Tintagel.

The second MWiB event took place on December 7th at Tresparrett when ladies from around the Circuit were invited to bring along favourite carols and readings and we were entertained by several sketches that were relevant to the story of the First Christmas. Once again mince pies, tea and coffee were served bringing the meeting to a very sociable end.

Hope

Hope is a staff by which I may Find strength to face another day, A very faithful, loving friend, Upon whose strength I can depend.

Hope is a comfort to my heart, When other comforts all depart, When stars no more in radiancy Shine with the moon on you and me.

Hope is the Grace that prompts me on When hope itself seems almost gone. A little spur to turn defeat, Into a victory complete.

For when all joy seemed well nigh fled, God gave the gift of hope instead, A precious, kindly, living spark, That pierces every kind of dark. BM

On Sunday despite the wintry weather, Maxworthy ladies helped to put on a delicious high tea in Raymond and Valerie Griffin's home at Wheatley. Their home was beautifully warm, welcoming and decorated ready for the Christmas season. It started at 3.30pm and ran through the afternoon. A warm welcome was given and so good to see so many new and old friends. It was difficult to know which food to have first, the savoury was very tasty and the sweet treats were so attractive and tasted good too! An overheard comment 'tea at the Ritz would not have been any better'! Then at 7pm we all made our way to Maxworthy Chapel again warm and each window decorated with a crib scene. It was so good to have a really full chapel, Eva welcomed everyone and especially the Arscott Ladies who sang beautifully. The conductor Ingrid Bray chaired the concert with bible readings, stories and poems and they were accompanied on the piano by Mrs Rooke. The congregation also had plenty of chance to sing many Carols. Derek thanked them and then there was a really good supper for all with continued fellowship. A really super time was had and just over a £1,000 raised with half going to Little Harbour Childrens Hospice. Maxworthy has raised a lot of money over the years for various charities with our Annual Carol Service. Eva Paynter.

Places are limited on our study days so advance booking is essential (telephone or email Wesley Cottage). Although there is no set charge to attend donations are welcome and a buffet lunch is provided: The following days are now open for booking: • Wednesday 24th January 10am-3pm Prayer Day: “Shall we Pray” with John Hogarth A teaching time on different types of prayer will be followed by putting prayer into practice to allow opportunity for worship, confession, intercession, and silence. As some people may wish to fast a simple lunch of soup and sandwich will be provided. • Thursday 1st February 10am-3pm Study Day: ‘The Lord’s Prayer in New Testament Greek’ with Mr Tony Carter of Wesley Cottage Management Committee. • Saturday 10th February 10am-3pm Study Day: ‘Discipling Presence’ with Rev Elizabeth Clark. Wesley Cottage is delighted to welcome Elizabeth our National Rural Officer as she introduces us to a new resource for those working in rural situations. • Tuesday 13th March 10am-3pm Quiet Day: ‘Enjoying God’ with Rev Sandy Osgerby. Following our excellent day in the autumn Sandy returns to lead us in another of our popular quiet days. • Thursday March 22nd 10am-3pm Study Day: ‘Some Methodist Cornish Saints’ with Rev Ian Haile. Wesley Cottage welcomes Ian, a former District Chair, to lead a study day where he will share a little of his immense knowledge of Historic Cornish by unpacking the stories of some famous names from the past.

Children and Families worker report December 2017 Tis the season to be jolly and oh boy it’s fun. So far I have attended Christmas lunches, a party for 20 plus 8 -11 yr olds at St Tudy. I believe they really enjoyed themselves. I’ve shared worship and food with the young people in Camelford at Elevate and finished off the autumn term with the Open The Book team at Brazacott school retelling the Christmas story with some enthusiastic shepherds and singers from the audience. This is of course with visiting two stay and play groups, and a Down’s Syndrome support group. I was made to feel very welcome, spoke to both parents and leaders and explained who I am and what I’m about. Over the past month I have also had the opportunity to attend 2 taster sessions where I have learnt an approach to supporting parents with all the skills that are required to bring their children up in a positive way. I have also had the opportunity to learn about Godly Play. This is an approach that focuses on the stories of the bible rather that how the story is told. Participants are encouraged to explore the stories through craft and answering questions about what it means to them. I would love to try both of these approaches but where? I’m also very excited because I have just been invited to join the District Youth Core Team along with Rev Doreen and several other people. I’m looking forward to our first group meeting in January and then I will be able to explain more. Living Water recently held it’s Christmas tree festival, this gave me the opportunity to talk to some children and young people plus parents about setting up a kids and youth club in the new year. As a result of these conversations, we are starting the Kids club (Primary school age) on Wednesday 24th January 2018 5.30pm - 6.30pm and Youth club (Senior school age) on Friday 26th January 2018 7pm – 8.30pm. Both groups will be held at Living Water Sunday School room. Please encourage any people you know to come along. We are also looking for some enthusiastic volunteers. Feel free to contact me for further information. It has struck me how important all the things we do in our communities are and what an important role we have in supporting people of all ages with their emotional and spiritual welfare. From Messy church and Open the book with our youngest children through to supporting our older members in the community with pastoral visits, lunches and clubs and the food banks and other charities. I just want to thank everyone involved because what you do is so very important. I’ve enjoyed my time of learning but now I want to put my knowledge and skills into practice. I have had the privilege to meet with some Lay Children and Families workers from other circuits. They have given me some interesting ideas. Please think about the non-church going members of your community. What concerns do you have? How can we best serve them? What can I do to help? I need the support of the circuit to move forward so if there are any volunteers who would be prepared to help with the youth and kids clubs, please contact me. You will need to be willing to be DBS checked, attend Safeguarding training and share Christian beliefs. Wishing everyone a happy Christmas plus a peaceful but healthy and prosperous new year. Regards, Alison.

Brockhill Chapel welcome all to join with us for a fortnightly Bible Study Group.

We begin the new year and Epiphany continuing with an excellent, thought provoking and inspiring course by Tom Wright. Advent for all. A journey with the Apostles. Tom writes with a true, scholarly and Theological knowledge yet presents in a totally engaging manner. We are instantly welcomed in to each weeks topic to read aloud together and discuss.

Do come up to Crackington Haven and be a part of this lovely fellowship as we take time to share our faith journey together. Wednesday the 10th January, 2 pm in Brockhill Schoolroom.

Brockhill Methodist Church cordially invite you to our annual Christmas Games Evening to be held in the Schoolroom on Friday, 12th January A fine festive buffet supper to start at 6 pm to be followed by an evening of fun, laughter and good friendship. Come along and bring a friend or family member or two. Contact Carol Teague 01566 248697 or Shirley Dawe(Secretary) 01840 230637

Bethel Methodist Church, Trelash welcome all to come aboard The Good News Train Fellowship Group Held on the third Wednesday each month beginning on Wednesday, 17th January at 2 pm in Bethel Church Hall. A lovely group who meet together who lovingly and joyfully extend fellowship and friendship with all. We start with a devotional time of shared prayer and reflection. Scriptural reading and discussion together. Afternoon refreshments follow with time to join in with a board game. We may have a guest speaker who will share their skills in a craft. Contact Carol Teague 01566 248697 and/or Hilda Hicks 01840 261514

St Teath Methodist Church extend the warmest of welcomes to all to come and join at their monthly Afternoon Get Together. Held on the last Friday each month beginning on Friday, 26th January at 2 pm. A wonderful, friendly fellowship where we share devotional and inspirational readings and uplifting prayer. Time too, for a game or two and afternoon tea together. Contact Carol Teague 01566 248697 and/or Barbara Richards 01208 850914

Contacts

Superintendent Minister – Rev Doreen Sparey-Delacassa 01566 781854 [email protected]

Supernumerary Minister - Rev. Bryan Ede 01840 214818 [email protected]

Safeguarding Officer – Naomi Sparey 01566 181854 [email protected]

Tidings Editor – Glenys Poorta 01566 781205 ‘The Swallows’, Canworthy Water PL15 8UW [email protected]

Other contact details are to be found in the Camelford and Week St. Mary Circuit Plan

All articles to be submitted by the 22th of the month please.